As revealed in last night’s Chronicle, police had smashed their way inside the house shortly before the explosion.

Neighbours in Marian Court, Teams, said they called British Gas when they smelled gas at 3.45pm on Monday.

But families said council officers and police were forced to break down the door when they were unable to get into the property where a man, named locally as 78-year-old James Bowden, lives.

HM Inspector of Health and Safety, Richard Bulmer, said: “We are getting on to the site to inspect the gas appliances within.

“We first had to remove asbestos which was behind the gutter boards. We had to bring in specialist contractors to decontaminate the site before construction specialists could check the place over.

“Our forensics are examining the gas system and appliances and our investigation will proceed inline with that information.

“We will also have to interview the police officers, gas fitter, the paramedic and the occupant, as well as neighbours.”

But neighbours said Mr Bowden had been heard saying he was moving his cooker before the blast.

Keith Thompson of Saltwell Place, Gateshead, was visiting his father in Marian Court.

The unemployed 35-year-old said: “I was walking past the bungalows when one of the neighbours said she had heard noises coming from the bungalow next door and was concerned. I told her to contact the council via an intercom system they have and she did.

“We later heard the man talking to someone from the council and he was telling them they should mind their own business because he was just moving his cooker.”

Neighbours living in the usually quiet street described Mr Bowden as a “loner”.

They said the former sheet metal worker had previously refused to let council workmen carry out refurbishments.

Mr Bowden has been a member of Saltwell Social Club since 1952, but neighbours said he would only go there at Christmas and Easter.

But he was a regular at the Black Garter pub in Newcastle. Friend Billy Christer, 65, of West Denton, Newcastle, said: “James was a nice man to me. He was always very polite. I hope he gets better soon.”

A Gateshead Council spokesman said: “Our structural engineers assessed the property immediately to advise on safety aspects but have not done a full assessment on neighbouring properties. This will be done shortly.”

Two people in neighbouring properties have been rehoused.

Three police officers were injured. Two suffered burns to the head and forearms, and one has more severe burns to his face and is in a more serious condition.

Also injured were a gas engineer, a paramedic and Mr Bowden.

The latter two are said to be in a stable condition at the city’s Royal Victoria Infirmary while the engineer has been discharged.

Housing bosses confirmed there was no issue with the gas supply.

A spokesman for The Gateshead Housing Company said: “We can confirm the home involved had an annual gas servicing certificate and no repairs were outstanding. We’re working with the fire service and the Health and Safety Executive to investigate the incident.”

North Shields grandad relives gas blast horror

THE gas explosion in Gateshead has brought back painful memories for grandad Joe Cairns.

The 70-year-old lost his partner, Moira Dickson, 80, in a similar blast six years ago and almost died himself.

His home in Grey Street, North Shields, was blown to pieces and two neighbouring properties were destroyed by the force of the explosion.

Now, the devastation in Marian Court, Teams, Gateshead, has forced him to relive those horrific moments.

The grandfather-of-four said: "I was watching the news and they were reporting about the blast in Gateshead. My mind just went straight back to what happened with us.

"I saw the pictures of the rubble and it looked exactly the same as it did in Grey Street six years ago.

"My heart goes out to the people injured and I feel heartily sorry for them. Even though I lost Moira six years ago, it does not feel that long. It is all still fresh in my memory. You never forget something like this – it remains with you forever.

"The incident happened on May 10 and on that day this year I went through all the press cuttings from the Chronicle and was remembering Moira. I still miss her immensely.

"I look at the pictures of that scene now and wonder ‘how did I get out of that?’ It was a miracle.

"I was in shock after it happened, nothing seemed real."

Neighbours reported hearing a huge explosion like a bomb or a plane crash which shook homes more than half a mile away.

Scores of residents were evacuated to the Linskill Centre, in Linskill Terrace, as Grey Street and surrounding roads were cordoned off while emergency crews dealt with the incident.

At an inquest a year later, it was said that rats had gnawed through a lead pipe, causing a leak of gas which led to the explosion. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.

The home that collapsed had been in the family for many years. Moira’s mum and dad, John and Agnes, had lived there since the property was built after the Second World War. Mr Cairns and his partner moved in around 17 years before the explosion.

After it was destroyed, he relocated to the Marden estate, in North Shields. But in 2010, he moved back to the same spot in Grey Street where three new houses were built.

He chose to live in the same area because he wanted to be near his family. Moira’s daughter, Dawn Dickson, 49, and her son Gavin, 14, still live in Grey Street.

Mr Cairns, who has difficulty walking and suffers from breathing problems, said: "I would not be here today if it wasn’t for my family. They have helped and supported me through these years.

"Now my prayers are with those who were injured in the Gateshead explosion. I hope they make a swift recovery.

"I also feel the police officers and paramedics who went to help and were injured should be given medals.

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